Leicester Medical School

Department of Medical and Social Care Education

Courses for Medical Practitioners

MClinSci/PGDip/PGCert Mountain Medicine

MClinSci/PGDip/PGCert Mountain Medicine

The Diploma in Mountain Medicine (Dip Mtn Med) is an internationally recognised UIAA qualification that is academically accredited by the University of Leicester. It is a qualification for doctors to enable them to use their medical skills for the benefit of participants in all aspects of mountaineering, with particular regard to practice in mountain environments. The diploma course is open to nurses and paramedics with suitable registration and experience.

Official holders of the UIAA/IKAR/ISMM Diploma who are taking national governing body awards such as ML, SPA, MIC, MIA, winter ML will automatically receive exemption from the first aid requirements from the point of view of the MLTB of England. This means you no longer have to apply for individual exemption. Wales and Scotland are expected to follow soon

Why this course?

The aim of the programme is to help registered medical practitioners obtain the theoretical and practical knowledge to manage the specific illnesses and diseases that may occur in the mountain environment. More information can be obtained from the Medex and Medical Expeditions site www.medex.org.uk

What can I expect to study?

The modules develop your understanding of the physiological changes associated with exercise and with living at altitude; an appreciation of the mountain environment, and the environmental factors that may lead to illness or injury; aspects of travel medicine that are important to mountain travel; proficiency in the practical skills of survival and mountain rescue; training in the management of altitude related disease and in the specific problems of managing illnesses and injuries that occur during a journey to the mountain environment.

How is the course delivered?

The modules will be taught over four periods of student contact, with allotted time for personal study. The student contact will begin with seven days teaching at the National Mountain Centre, Plas Y Brenin, North Wales [Theory One module]; one week in Scotland [Mountaineering Skills module]; up to one week at Plas Y Brenin [Theory Two Module] and one week in the European Alps [Alpine Module]. Personal study between modules includes active days out in the hills as well as using the provided reading list.

How will I be assessed?

Continual assessment of practical skills will be undertaken by faculty members and IFMGA guides during each of the taught parts of the course. Theoretical knowledge will be assessed by a short answer paper before and after each of the taught parts of the course. This may also include writing up of a number of directed cases. Candidates will also keep a logbook of practical procedures undertaken and ongoing experience.

How can I find out more information?

For further information about this programme please contact:
Dr Peter Barry
Tel: 0116 258 6844

Email: cc44@le.ac.uk